Kochi, Apr 1 (KNN) The Kerala government is launching a statewide network of business mentors aimed at guiding and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, as a part of the 'Year of Enterprises 2.0' campaign with the goal of starting 1,00,000 new enterprises in 2023-24.

The Department of Industries and Commerce plans to create a mentorship portal where existing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as well as aspiring mentors can register and connect. Industry associations will promote this platform, as per sources.

“We want to facilitate networking and knowledge sharing between experienced entrepreneurs and those just starting out,” said a department official. “District and local conclaves will be organised to bring these groups together,” he added.

The department will also document and publish case studies highlighting successful MSME stories to inspire others. Monitoring committees at state, district and local levels will review the sustainability of the new enterprises.

This renewed entrepreneurship push follows the first 'Entrepreneurial Year' in 2022-23 which saw 1,39,837 new MSME registrations and creation of 3,00,020 jobs.

Separately, in financial year 2023-24, the State Level Approval Committee has granted approval to 88 out of 152 applications for scaling up businesses under the 'Mission 1000' scheme.

To foster long-term success, the Industries department has also launched the ‘MSME Sustainability Plan’ for the new enterprises established under the Entrepreneurial Year scheme.

The plan aims to ensure at least 70 per cent of these startups remain operationally viable while achieving a minimum 5 per cent annual increase in turnover across all new MSMEs in the state.

(KNN Bureau)